Assessment of Salmonella Species and Escherichia Coli Prevalence, as well as Antimicrobial Profiles, in Sliced Pineapple Vended within Abakaliki Metropolis
The prevalent practice of vending sliced pineapple and various fruits on the streets of Nigeria due to costconstraints among buyers has raised concerns regarding potential contaminations and subsequent health risks toconsumers. This study procured sixty samples of sliced, ready-to-eat pineapple from street vendors in AbakalikiMetropolis, analyzing them for Salmonella and E. coli contamination using microbiological and biochemicaltechniques. The isolates underwent antibiotic sensitivity screening via the disc diffusion method. The findingsrevealed a 20% prevalence of Salmonella species and a striking 70% prevalence of Escherichia coli in the slicedpineapple fruits. Further investigation into antibiotic susceptibility exhibited a concerning pattern of high multidrugresistance among the isolated organisms. Salmonella species showcased resistance percentages ranging from50% to 100% against ceftriaxone, nitrofurantoin, meropenem, pefloxacin, chloramphenicol, ofloxacin, andamoxicillin. In comparison, Escherichia coli exhibited resistance values varying between 28.6% and 100% againstthe same antibiotics. This study emphasizes that the prevalent practice of slicing and vending fruits on the streetssignificantly contributes to the dissemination of multi-drug resistant pathogens. Urgent intervention anddiscouragement of this practice by pertinent authorities are imperative to mitigate the escalating health risksassociated with such contaminated fruit vending practices.Keywords: Street vended fruits, sliced pineapple fruits, fruit contamination, multi-drug resistance, Samonella species, E. coli.